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Native American Church Music

During church meetings, the members sing along with instruments, such as the water drum and a gourd rattle. The songs are meant to heal and are about the sacred. They speak of interconnectedness and being inclusive. Many songs are shared and common among all Native American Church communities, no matter the language the song was originally written in. Most of the songs end in the phrase “hey ney noh weh” which identifies the song as a peyote song and is similar to the phrase “Amen” spoken during a Christian prayer. There are artists who are combining Native American Music with other American genres. For instance, A Tribe Called Red writes electronic dance music (EDM) inspired by the Native American Church culture. The songs are meant to inspire Native youth and spread the beauty of Native traditions.

Beliefs of the Church

A prominent belief amongst church members is that all plants are purposefully created by the Great Spirit. This includes Peyote which was created for medicinal, spiritual, and healing purposes. Disease and death are believed to be a result of an imbalance in the individual. Besides peyote, other sacred plants, prayer, and fasting are used to cure this imbalance. Use of Peyote is never for recreational purposes and the hallucinogenic effects of the plant are considered spiritual visions. To most Native Americans, visions are a communion with the metaphysical. However, not every member experiences hallucinogenic effects during peyote rituals. The plant is meant to heal or fix even social, personal, and communal problems. Members believe the plant is even safe for children and pregnant women. Members also believe in the importance of helping the world in order to create peace, health, and freedom. They seek guidance from the Great Spirit in protecting the earth, continuing the ways of their ancestors, and caring for future generations. In addition, they practice inclusivity and new members are welcome to join the church.

Relationship to Christianity

Many American Natives dislike the beliefs of Christianity because of the history between natives and Christian groups. Their attempts to take away American Natives’ heritage and culture has left many unable to reconcile with Christianity. Meanwhile, other members seek to restore the relationship between the Church and Christians. They believe that forgiveness is important for the native concept, “right-walking.” Most members believe that Jesus Christ and the Great Spirit are one in the same.

Different “ways” of the Church

Within the church, there is the “Half Moon” way and the “Cross Fire” way. There are difference between the two ways. For example, the Cross Fire way does not include Tobacco in ceremonies and the Half Moon way does include Tobacco. The Cross Fire way incorporates more Christian ideals like calling the leader a ‘minister’ and includes a Bible placed at the alter. Meanwhile, while the Half Moon way tends emphasis retaining their tribe’s earlier traditions and does not incorporate the bible into meetings. Although, Jesus Christ is not ignored by the Half Moon way and Christian holidays are celebrated like Christmas and Easter. Although there are a multitude of differences between the two ways, members of the church can attend either kind of meeting and some attend both.